Ben Ballard is a primary school teacher who currently works as the Aboriginal Education & Engagement Officer in South East NSW. He has connections to both Birip & Gumbayngirr land and has been a teacher for over 10 years. He has experience in both the NSW & ACT Public School Systems and in his current role Ben supports schools to implement all things in Aboriginal Education. He also has an extensive knowledge of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers and the implementation of them through his participation as a member of the BOSTES Quality Teaching Council & Initial Teacher Education Committee, as well being a representative on the AITSL Focus Group of the Profession. Ben is a current member of NSWTF Executive and also so brings a number of years’ experience working in other fields.